Affordable unlimited data has become harder to find, especially for solo users who prefer straightforward pricing without extra conditions.
Cricket Wireless now offers a rare exception, a prepaid plan that delivers unlimited high-speed coverage at just $25 per month when paid annually.
For those who prioritize reliable service and long-term savings, this offer stands out as one of the most cost-effective choices in the current mobile market.
Why This Offer Deserves Attention
Paying less than a dollar a day for unlimited high-speed data feels rare in today’s mobile market. Cricket’s new multi-month plan positions you to slash ongoing phone expenses while keeping dependable connectivity.
Cricket Wireless in Brief
Cricket Wireless operates as a mobile virtual network operator on AT&T’s backbone, delivering nationwide 4G LTE and 5G service to compatible, unlocked devices.
The brand gained recognition worldwide in 2024 when the American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked it among the top full-service MVNOs. Taxes and fees remain baked into advertised prices, so surprises at checkout are minimal.
Current Plans and Regular Pricing
This snapshot compares standard monthly options before factoring in the new multi-month deal:
| Plan | High-Speed Data | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines | 4 Lines | 5 Lines |
| 5 GB | 5 GB | $30 | $30/line | $30/line | $30/line | $30/line |
| 10 GB | 10 GB | $40 | $35/line | $30/line | $28/line | $26/line |
| Unlimited Core | Unlimited* | $55 | $40/line | $30/line | $25/line | $25/line |
| Unlimited + 15 GB Hotspot | Unlimited* | $60 | $45/line | $37/line | $33/line | $32/line |
*Data may slow during network congestion unless you choose the premium tier.
Every plan includes unlimited talk, text, picture messaging within the United States, HD voice, Wi-Fi calling, and 5G access on capable devices.
The Headline Deal: Unlimited for $25 Monthly
A prepaid, pay-up-front subscription slashes costs further:
- $300 upfront = 12 months of unlimited data ($25/month).
- $120 upfront = 3 months of unlimited data ($40/month).
Eligibility:
- New, single-line accounts only.
- Bring an unlocked, compatible phone.
- Activation must happen online.
What You Receive:
- Full access to Cricket’s $55 monthly unlimited service.
- No long-term contracts or overage penalties.
- Nationwide 5G coverage is available.
What You Do Not Receive:
- Mobile hotspot capability.
- Add-on perks (cloud storage, Max streaming) that appear on the $60 tier.
For travelers or remote workers who require tethering, an external hotspot option may still fit within this plan’s budget.
Comparing Real-World Costs
A four-line Core plan already hits $25 per line, yet families must manage multiple users and billing cycles. Solo owners can finally obtain identical pricing without sharing the account, simply by paying once a year.
| Scenario | High-Speed Data | Monthly Equivalent | Annual Cost |
| Single-line Unlimited Core (pay monthly) | Unlimited* | $55 | $660 |
| Single-line 12-month Deal | Unlimited* | $25 | $300 |
| Savings vs. Monthly Plan | — | — | $360 |
That $360 difference covers an entire mid-range smartphone, multiple streaming subscriptions, or roughly two weeks of groceries in many regions worldwide.
Four-Step Online Activation
Streamlined digital onboarding removes the in-store $25 fee. Follow this sequence for a friction-free switch:
- Check Compatibility – Enter your device IMEI at Cricket’s site to verify network support.
- Choose the SIM – Select a voice-and-data kit ($2.99 online) and decide whether to port your current number.
- Pay Upfront – Add the 3-month or 12-month plan to cart, confirm worldwide billing address, and complete checkout.
- Insert & Activate – After next-business-day delivery, pop in the SIM, visit cricketwireless.com/activate, and input order details. A restart finalizes service.
Setup commonly finishes in under ten minutes once the SIM arrives.
Coverage, Calls, and Text Reliability
Expect performance to mirror AT&T’s footprint across the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and the most populous territories.
During a 30-day third-party trial featuring at least fifteen calls and fifteen texts, users reported zero dropped connections and clear voice quality.
If you reside outside North America, consider roaming-capable eSIM alternatives; otherwise, domestic reach covers over 325 million people.
Data Speed Expectations
Cricket’s broadband label lists these typical downstream ranges:
- 5G+ 114–444 Mbps
- 5G 46–254 Mbps
- 4G LTE 7–61 Mbps
Independent tests recorded average download speeds of nearly 20 Mbps, peaking above 30 Mbps in optimal zones. Such throughput easily handles HD streaming on Netflix (with a minimum of 3 Mbps) or Prime Video (recommended at 5 Mbps).
After exhausting any high-speed allotment on limited plans, data continues at 128 Kbps, sufficient for email but slow for multimedia. Unlimited tiers avoid these caps, though speeds may dip during congestion.
Customer Support Snapshot
Cricket offers help worldwide through two primary channels:
| Method | Hours (Eastern Time) | Observed Wait | Notes |
| Phone (1-800-274-2538) | Mon-Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m. | ≈ 7 min | Voice prompts require persistence. |
| Online Chat | Mon-Sat 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–11 p.m. | < 2 min | Agents proved knowledgeable and polite. |
The Cricket app simplifies tasks such as usage tracking, autopay enrollment, and plan changes, reducing the need for live assistance.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Advantages:
- Industry-low $25 unlimited data price for individual lines.
- Taxes and standard fees included, aiding predictable budgeting worldwide.
- No contracts, overage penalties, or credit checks.
- Solid 5G access for compatible devices.
Trade-offs:
- Upfront prepayment locks money until the term ends.
- Hotspot functionality is absent on the discounted plan.
- A $25 in-store activation fee applies to walk-in shoppers.
- Data may slow in congested zones compared with post-paid premium tiers.
Key Questions Before You Commit
Answering these checkpoints sharpens decision confidence:
- Is AT&T’s network strong where you live, work, and travel? Check Cricket’s interactive map to verify 4G/5G coverage.
- Will your current phone work on Cricket? Enter the IMEI online; bring-your-own compatibility saves hardware cash.
- Can you comfortably pay one year ahead? Upfront spending nets massive savings, yet reallocates cash flow.
- Do you rely on a mobile hotspot? If tethering is vital, compare competing unlimited-plus-hotspot plans or invest in a standalone hotspot line.
- Are you willing to activate online? Completing checkout digitally avoids the store-level service charge.
Practical Switching Tips
A few best practices streamline the transition:
- Unlock your phone from your current carrier a week before ordering the Cricket SIM.
- Backup contacts and photos to cloud storage so a SIM swap never risks precious data.
- Disable voicemail passwords during porting to prevent account-number mismatches.
- Schedule the SIM swap during off-peak hours; most ports finalize in fifteen minutes or less.
Conclusion
Cricket’s $25 multi-month unlimited plan undercuts nearly every mainstream carrier worldwide for solo users craving consistent high-speed data.
Provided you are comfortable prepaying and bypassing hotspot privileges, the savings outweigh the limits.
Assess local AT&T reception, verify handset compatibility, then lock in a full year of service at an unbeatable rate. Your wallet and streaming queue will appreciate the decision.
